The hacker group "Anonymous," following up on previous invasions of websites in other countries, took over the Syrian site for approximately 15 minutes until officials shut it down.

After the Anonymous logo with a Syrian flag appeared on the defense ministry website, the group sent a tweet reading, "Very nice #Syria deface: http://mod.gov.sy/ (via @Rattymouseman) | Expect us, everywhere."

Anonymous later issued a statement “to the Syrian people” and said, “The world stands with you against the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad. Know that time and history are on your side – tyrants use violence because they have nothing else, and the more violent they are, the more fragile they become."

"We salute your determination to be non-violent in the face of the regime's brutality, and admire your willingness to pursue justice, not mere revenge. All tyrants will fall, and thanks to your bravery Bashar Al-Assad is next."

Anonymous also directed a comment to Assad’s army, saying that “you are responsible for protecting the Syrian people, and anyone who orders you to kill women, children, and the elderly deserves to be tried for treason. Defend your country – rise up against the regime!"

The successful hacking was particularly embarrassing for the government, whose official SANA news agency continues to report to Syrians exactly the opposite of the news being smuggled out of the country through social media.

SANA continued to report on Monday that “armed terrorist groups” are responsible for rampant “killing and sabotage acts.”

The official news agency of Syria also stated that seven “martyrs” were buried “after they were targeted by armed groups in Homs and Daraa provinces,” where hidden videos have shown Syrian tanks mowing down protesters, including those at funerals.

Concerning the refugees who have fled the country, SANA claimed Monday that “125 more citizens, who were forced by the armed terrorist groups to leave their houses and flee to the Turkish camps, returned to Jisr al-Shugour city over the past two days.”